Local leaders celebrate new health care system deal

Leaders gathered a day after news that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, the operator of Charlotte-based Carolinas HealthCare System, will pay Cleveland County $100 million over more than a quarter century to take full ownership of Cleveland County HealthCare System.

Those words streamed across computer screens Friday at the LeGrand Center as local leaders celebrated a new health care consolidation that promises increased care for the countyís residents.

Leaders gathered a day after news that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, the operator of Charlotte-based Carolinas HealthCare System, will pay Cleveland County $100 million over more than a quarter century to take full ownership of Cleveland County HealthCare System.

As part of the deal, medical facilities are expected to expand and grow in Cleveland County ó including an increase in pediatric care through a local presence of Levine Childrenís Hospital, a new health department clinic and an increase in oncology care. The hospital authorityís purchase of CCHS is expected to close as early as Monday, but health care leaders would not say when changes to the countyís facilities are expected to begin.

"I cannot stand in this place and not comment on the vision you have for this place and the investments you have made in your community," Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) CEO Joe Piemont told leaders gathered Friday.

"Itís a testament to the 20-year foundation we have built that will now serve us in the future," Piemont said, referring to Carolinasí operations in Cleveland County since the 1990s.

County leaders thanked CHS officials for their partnership.

"In todayís health care landscape, mergers, partnerships and teamwork is the way to go," said Cleveland County Commissioner Eddie Holbrook. "Thank you for choosing (CCHS) to become your core in the west. Thank you for this partnership, one thatís historic for our community."

Economic development leaders said an increased CHS presence in the county will boost the region through the health care industryís provisions of jobs, money into the local economy and property tax payments.

"The health care sector already is a vital part of our economy," said Kristin Fletcher, executive vice president of Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership. "With this announcement, itís going to take on a more vital role."